How To Keep Your Campsite Snake-Free
Snakes may be part of nature, but you don't want them in your campsite. Here’s how to ensure snakes stay away.
Even if you’re a passionate animal lover or appreciate the beauty and majesty of snakes, having them where you eat, sleep and relax is certainly not on the top of anyone’s list.
However, it’s about more than just not wanting to share your campsite.
Depending on the region in which you’re travelling, some snakes can be incredibly dangerous. Whether it’s a Death Adder, a Mulga Snake or something entirely different, their poison can be deadly if you have a bad encounter with one. Exposing yourself or your children and pets to dangerous snakes is a recipe for disaster.
That said, if you’re camping in the great outdoors, it’s important to remember that you’re in their territory. You absolutely shouldn’t try to hurt snakes that find themselves in your space. Rather, you should try your best to avoid the risk entirely or react in a way that isn’t harmful to them or yourself.
The Best Ways to Keep Snakes Away from Your Campsite
There are several practical ways in which you can decrease the chances of encountering a snake in your campsite. However, it’s important to remember that none of them is 100% foolproof.
First and foremost, snake repellent products ought to be avoided. Generally speaking, they’re ineffective, and some of them produce chemicals that are harmful to humans. They may claim to keep you safe, but snakes simply don’t react to scents in the same way other animals may.
The moral of the story—say no to snake repellents. Rather, here are some more practical ways to stay safe and keep snakes away when camping with your RV.
Choose Areas That Snakes Don’t Like
Like any other wild animal, snakes are not completely predictable. However, they do have certain habits that you can use to anticipate their movements. For instance, there are certain areas and types of terrain that they tend to like:
- Spots with an abundance of brush
- Areas directly adjacent to sources of water
- Outcrops and areas near/in rock piles
Avoid setting up your campsite in areas like this, and you’ll significantly decrease your chances of having an unfriendly encounter.
We know where we shouldn’t camp, so what kind of areas should we choose instead?
The best place to set up your campsite is a large, open space with short grass and little vegetation. Snakes like to hide, so if you find an area that is sparsely populated, you’re less likely to stumble across an unpleasant surprise.
Minimise Food Access
Snakes aren’t huge lovers of human food. They’re not going to tuck into your sirloin steak or late-night snacks. However, little birds and mice are a different story. Since snakes prey on small animals like this, it’s totally possible that you could find a snake hiding in and amongst your food supply.
Here are some ways you can avoid snakes and other animals ruining your dinner:
- Avoid leaving crumbs near your living area
- Wash your dishes immediately
- Pack away leftover food and store it in air-tight containers that are inaccessible
- Don’t leave bags of trash – sealed or unsealed – in/near your campsite
Well-Lit Areas Are Your Friend
Whether you choose an area that is constantly lit up or one that you have the option to illuminate as you please, it’s always a good idea to see where you’re going.
Remain alert at all times while hanging out at your campsite. If you wander off to go find the loo or go exploring at night, be sure to take a light along with you to avoid stepping on critters you can’t see (and that can’t see you).
Light Fires to Use as a Deterrent
If you’re camping or going on an adventure in the wild with your RV, getting a fire going can help deter snakes, if the area permits, of course. This isn’t to say that a fire is completely foolproof, but snakes certainly aren’t going to seek one out for fun.
Lighting fires at night while camping has other advantages too, such as cooking, providing warmth, reducing the likelihood of mosquitoes, and deterring other wild animals too. As long as you’re doing it carefully, safely and within the rules of the area you’re in, it’s not a bad idea to light a small fire in your campsite.
However, make sure to be cautious when collecting firewood. Snakes have a tendency to enjoy hiding out in little nooks and crannies, and piles of wood are a firm favourite.
Check For Snakes Regularly
Ensure that you check your campsite and your RV for snakes often. Some good places to look:
- Inside your tent – always zip it up
- Under your tent – they like shade, so lift it up and have a peek
- Your shoes – don’t leave them outside, and check them when they’re inside too
- In your sleeping bag – shake it out before you climb in
- In any warmer parts of your RV - a snake may seek out heat
What To Do If You Encounter a Snake in Or Near Your Campsite
Of course, keeping snakes out of your campsite altogether is first prize. But sometimes, it simply cannot be avoided. Here are some things to bear in mind if you come face to face with a snake:
- If you can, leave the snake alone and don’t get close to it
- If you’re nearby, freeze and don’t provoke it
- If you step on a snake accidentally, move away quickly
- Remove all people, children and pets from the area
- Try to keep an eye on the snake and watch where it slithers off to
Respect Snakes and They’ll Respect You
Remember, when you’re camping, whether in a tent or an RV, it’s snake territory. They won’t go out of their way to bite you, but you need to be smart.
If you use these tips and tricks to keep snakes out of your campsite, you stand the best chance of avoiding them completely.